WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT by Julie Klassen, Reviewed by Paula and Winnie #ReleaseDay

Historical Regency Romance and Mystery Set in England 

for Fans of Agatha Christie and Jane Austen

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Another fabulous Regency story by Julie Klassen, Whispers at Painswick Court adds an element of intrigue that goes well with the setting of an old estate in the Cotswolds.
 

Anne Loveday, feeling unappreciated at home, travels to Painswick to spend time with an old friend. While there, she agrees to tend an elderly lady as a nurse in the old mansion at Painswick Court. This atmospheric read saw Anne finally seeing herself as a beloved child of God and switching her perspective on family and service to others. A certain young doctor, Ernest Finch, sees great qualities in Anne but circumstances and secrets interfere, not to mention sightings of the ghost of King Charles I.
 

Something is amiss and more than one person is in danger. Ms. Klassen kept me guessing as to who was at the center of the nefarious happenings.
 

Beautifully written, with engaging plot and characters, this one is definitely a keeper.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews and Via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

 

WINNIE'S REVIEW: 

Talented author Julie Klassen has once again penned an absorbing Regency historical fiction story in her book, Whispers at Painswick Court. With obvious impeccable research, well-drawn and engaging characters, and some added mystery and suspense, this tale illustrates once again why Klassen is such a popular and well-known Christian fiction author.

Anne Loveday has trained by her surgeon father’s side and knows much about health care and the use of herbal remedies. When her mother’s friend invites her to Painswick, she quickly agrees in order to escape her stepmother’s matchmaking. Upon arriving at Painswick, she is asked to act as a nurse to Lady Celia and soon finds that someone is trying to do the old lady harm. Lady Celia’s two nephews show up, and along with two doctors and Lady Celia’s daughter, there are suspects galore. Plenty of twists and turns kept me guessing and turning pages.

With plenty of suspense, an abundance of secrets, and a dash of romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy Christian historical Regency fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:
She expected her return to Painswick would bring memories of the past--not danger and romance.

Anne Loveday, a surgeon's daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sickroom nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne's sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia's spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady's maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own.

As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her resolution to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real culprit--and protect her heart--before it's too late? 

 

Bethany House Publishing, December, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy WHISPERS AT PAINSWICK COURT at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

THE ROYAL ARTISAN by Tessa Afshar, Reviewed by Paula

(Queen Esther's Court): Historical Fiction in Biblical Times Set 

in the Royal Courts of Queen Esther during Ancient History

 

PAULA'S REVIEW:

Another excellent story about ancient Persia and the court of Queen Esther. This time from the perspective of a potter who plays a role in the rescue of the Jewish people from evil Haman.
Of course these stories are fictional and are about fictional people, but it is fun to see what might have happened. Ms Afshar has done a lot of research into the times and inserts a real artifact into her story. That is what Sazana and Jadon are searching for.
 

I love a good second chance romance and this one fits the bill. Sazana is the potter, an unusual role for a woman. She and Jadon, one of the elite guards of the royals, have an unpleasant past. But when they are thrown together to help Queen Esther, things get dangerous and they slowly grow together again.
 

Ms Afshar personalizes her story of Esther with excellent details about palace life and pottery making of the era. I like the way she depicts Esther as caring, friendly and using her status as a tool for good.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread 

BackCover Blurb:
Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

Experience the thrill and intrigue of secrets and romance within Queen Esther's royal domain in this biblical fiction tale that will appeal to fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. 

 

Bethany House Publishing, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:

Buy THE ROYAL ARTISAN at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House

 

THROUGH EACH TOMORROW by Gabrielle Meyer, Reviewed by Kim

KIM'S REVIEW:
I absolutely love this series and its entire premise! Gabrielle Meyer’s writing style always draws me in from the very first page. Her characters are always wonderful, her storylines are intricately crafted, and just when I’m convinced there’s no possible way out of a situation, she finds one. Her creativity never fails to amaze me.

One of my favorite elements in this installment was the dynamic between Charles and his best friend Andrew. Having them both experience life as time-crossers in the same time periods added such a fresh and fascinating layer to an already unique concept. Their shared journeys deepened the emotional stakes and made every twist even more compelling. As always, the historical details are well researched—I finish every book having learned something new. While I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I usually do, but I still highly recommend the entire series.

Through Each Tomorrow is yet another hit from Gabrielle Meyer. This Timeless series continues to impress me with its heart, its ingenuity, and its immersive blend of history and imagination. I love every story she tells, and I truly cannot wait for the next one! 4 stars!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

 

SEE REVIEWS by REBECCA and PAULA

 

BackCover Blurb:
Two siblings. One fate. A web of secrets that could ensnare them in an inescapable destiny.

In 1883, Charles is a poor farmer desperate to secure financial stability for his mother and sister, as he is unsure which of his time-crossing paths he will choose on his twenty-fifth birthday. Posing as the Earl of Norfolk, he enters the opulent circles of Newport's elite to assist a fellow time-crossing friend, Drew. But suspicions of his identity arise among the upper crust, and his encounters with Drew's intriguing sister further complicate decisions that could impact a lifetime.

In 1563, Lady Cecily serves Queen Elizabeth while clinging to the hope that her stepbrother Charles will remain with her in this path. As the true Earl of Norfolk, Charles is deeply entangled in the deadly politics of the court. When he brings Drew, a physician in training, to Windsor Castle to help save the ailing monarch, old feelings for Drew rekindle in Cecily's heart, but her love faces impossible odds under the strict rules of the crown. As their futures hang by a thread, Charles and Cecily race to prevent their web of secrets from unraveling and ensnaring them in an inescapable destiny. 

Bethany House, November, 2025

Available in digital ebook, paperback, audio, and hardcover

Buy THROUGH EACH TOMORROW at Amazon, Christianbook or Baker Book House 

 

 

 

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Melody Carlson, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson gives all the feels of a Hallmark movie. 

The dilemma is that Carol, a Christmas baby, is not fond of the season because of not the best childhood memories. She is also a designer who stages elaborate decorations way too early for her tastes. She plans a getaway to the Bahamas but gets stranded in Grand Rapids when snow cancels everything. The solution comes when her estranged aunt lives close by in Michigan. Getting to know Aunt Marie and helping her, gets her in the Christmas spirit again. And a hunky neighbor makes it cozy too.

Well written novella with all the atmosphere of Christmas, there is a reconciliation, amd unexpected romance and a return to the real meaning of Christmas.

A clean read with a Christian World View.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* 4 stars and a clean read

SEE TRIXI'S REVIEW:

BackCover Blurb:
Can a tropical escape from holiday blues turn her Christmas into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, the holiday season is something she would rather avoid. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Revell Publishing, September, 2025
Available in digital ebook, hardcover, and audiobook
Buy ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House